Sleep might feel like something that can wait or that you can catch up on later. But the opposite is true. So, if you don’t feel you’re getting the healthy sleep you need, talk to your medical professional about it. Ways to start the conversation are:

• Review the three Sleep Disorder Screening Questions and take the self-test. Bring a copy of your answers to your next appointment and share with your doctor.
• If you have been keeping a sleep diary, share your completed sleep diary with your doctor, who can help you determine the best ways to improve your sleep.
• You can also talk with your doctor about your sleep even if you don’t think you have a sleep problem. Together, you can figure out what healthy sleep looks like for you and how to get it. This will help you prevent future sleep difficulties before they become harder to treat.

Most sleep problems will improve with lifestyle changes, like limiting naps and avoiding caffeine late in the day. However, some people have sleep disorders that require treatment, like medication or CPAP therapy. Some sleep disorders are common, like insomnia, sleep apnea, jet lag, sleepwalking, and restless legs syndrome. Others are rare. All are treatable.

If you have a sleep problem that is not getting better, ask your doctor if it’s time to see a sleep medicine physician at an AASM-accredited sleep center. They will help you find a solution that works for you.